Understanding your rights as a passenger is key when your flight in India is delayed or cancelled.

Flight Disruptions: Delays vs Cancellations

Having your flight delayed or cancelled can throw your travel plans into chaos. Knowing what you’re entitled to — especially under domestic rules governed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) — gives you the power to act and claim compensation where eligible.

Before you fly, it’s wise to check your airline’s cancellation and delay policy — these vary — and keep handy the DGCA guidelines.

What Should You Do When a Flight is Disrupted?

When notified of a disruption:

• Stay calm and act swiftly. 

• Gather information about the cause of disruption.

• Retain documentation such as boarding passes, tickets, emails or notices of delay/cancellation.

• Know your rights and the airline’s obligations under the DGCA rules.

If Your Flight Is Delayed

Delay compensation depends on several factors: the airline, how long the delay lasts, and whether the disruption was within the airline’s control.

If Your Flight Is Cancelled

A cancellation typically poses a bigger challenge than a delay. Contact your airline immediately for:

• an alternate flight, or

• a full refund.

Whether you can claim compensation depends on whether the cancellation was within the airline’s control or due to “extraordinary circumstances.”  Those circumstances include things like severe weather or strikes – where compensation may not be due.

Overbooking & Denied Boarding

If you’re denied boarding because of overbooking, and the airline can’t place you on another flight within an hour, you may be eligible for compensation. Check with your airline. 

How Much Compensation Could You Get?

Compensation amounts depend on how long you were delayed, whether the airline was at fault, and other factors. The DGCA website and the airline can provide the most current info. 

For example:

• If you’re delayed by 2 hours or more: meals/refreshments may apply. 

• Delay of 6 hours or more (domestic): alternate flight within 6 hours or full refund.

• Cancellation:

  • If informed at least 2 weeks before departure: you get a refund or alternative flight. 

  • If informed between 2 weeks and 24 hours: alternative flight within 2 hours. 

  • If informed after arriving at the airport: refund + meals/refreshments depending on wait time. 
    Also: more than 24 hours delay or flights scheduled to depart between 20:00 and 03:00 require that free hotel accommodation is provided.

FAQs

• How long does a refund take? If canceled: cash payments may be immediate; credit-card payments may take up to 7 days under ideal conditions. Real time may vary with volume of claims.

• What if I miss a connecting flight? If your first flight (leading to the connection) is cancelled/delayed and run by a different airline, chances of refund are low. Booking connecting flights with the same airline may protect you better. Also check your travel insurance.

• How far back can I claim compensation? You have up to 2 years to file a claim under DGCA rules for domestic flights in India.

• What if the airline has gone bankrupt? In such cases follow the airline’s specific instructions for refunds or rebooking. Each scenario may differ. 

• What if I booked through an online travel agent (OTA)? You should contact the OTA’s customer service to check their disruption policy. 

Final Word

Understanding your rights as a passenger — especially in the case of delays or cancellations — means you’re better equipped to claim what you’re due and continue your journey with confidence.